Desert Locust Bulletin Highlights Outbreaks in Northwestern Africa

Desert Locust Bulletin 559 reports ongoing outbreaks in Western and Central Regions, with significant increases in adult groups and breeding activities noted in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. Control operations have doubled in April compared to March, with forecasts indicating potential migrations southward as breeding continues across various affected areas.

The recent Desert Locust Bulletin (No. 559) published on May 7, 2025, paints a concerning picture of ongoing locust outbreaks primarily in the Western Region of Eritrea, particularly affecting parts of Northwestern Africa. The report highlights that in April, both adult groups and small swarms have been moving north across the Sahara as they spread between Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Notably, Morocco, northern Chad, and Niger have also seen a rise in locust populations.

Spring breeding of the locusts continues to be a significant factor, leading to the emergence of new hoppers, which includes various groups and bands spread across different regions. Meanwhile, in the Central Region, there has been a decrease in locust numbers along both sides of the Red Sea. Still, small adult groups and swarms remain present in southern Egypt and northern Sudan, where they have formed additional hopper groups and bands. There has also been laying activity detected in parts of Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that the spring breeding will persist throughout May in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. This could lead to the formation of new adult groups and small swarms, which are projected to migrate south toward the Sahel starting in early June as a response to expected rainfall. Additional small-scale breeding is expected to continue along the Nile Valley in northern Sudan and southern Egypt, with new adults likely moving south to summer breeding regions come June. The interior of Saudi Arabia is also projected to see limited breeding alongside new adult hoppers.

Control operations are critical across all affected areas, which have intensified significantly. The area treated in April was about 34,436 hectares, which is double the amount from March’s operations, which covered 17,962 hectares. However, no significant changes are expected in the Eastern Region, as the situation there remains stable.

In summary, the Desert Locust situation remains critical, particularly in Northwestern Africa, with increased breeding and movement noted in several regions. Control measures are essential to mitigate the spread and impact of these pests, as the forecast suggests continued breeding and migration activities in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the Desert Locust Bulletin signifies ongoing concern in both the Western and Central Regions, particularly in areas like Algeria and Libya. With an observed increase in locust populations and breeding activities, timely control operations are critical to prevent the locust swarms from migrating further south. The upcoming weeks are crucial as new hoppers emerge and begin to disperse, thereby necessitating sustained monitoring and response efforts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int